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Software engineering doesn't require talent any more than learning calculus requires talent. We aren't that special or gifted imo. Not only that, software engi

Software engineering doesn't require talent any more than learning calculus requires talent. We aren't that special or gifted imo. Not only that, software engineering isn't the only path to financial success (though it is fairly stable and future-proof).

deleted 5y ago
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throwntoday 5y ago
Let me preface by saying I don't think software engineering requires talent per se, but it absolutely does require being able to think abstractly/logically about problems and a certain level of intellect. From my experience in upper-division university courses, less than a quarter of the students are capable of this. Being a code-monkey is trivial, being able to design the optimal solution for any given problem is a talent. University programs are increasingly shifting towards a bootcamp style curriculum rather than focusing on the science of CS.
Sohcahtoa82 5y ago
> Software engineering doesn't require talent any more than learning calculus requires talent. We aren't that special or gifted imo. Derailing a bit here, but I don't think this is true, and I think it's an example of a part of Dunning-Kruger that is often forgotten - Highly competent people underestimate their competence and incorrectly presume others find a task just as easy as they do. There are a lot of people that struggle with algebra. They could never learn calculus without putting in a ridiculous amount of time into studying it. What makes software engineering different is that it requires abstract thinking, something not everyone has. You have to be able to understand how to break a problem down into tiny steps and be able to express those steps in a language that a compiler or interpreter will understand. And even with training, we get people that can't FizzBuzz.
xmonkee 5y ago
I 100% agree that software engineers are not special. But they are specialized. And getting to that point of specialization takes a combination of inclination, opportunity and, yes, some aptitude that not everyone has. My wife is brilliant at her job. She used to be a passable software engineer and hated it. Now she does something equally lucrative and competitive and is much better at it than I could ever be.

deleted 5y ago

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throwntoday 5y ago

Let me preface by saying I don't think software engineering requires talent per se, but it absolutely does require being able to think abstractly/logically about problems and a certain level of intellect. From my experience in upper-division university courses, less than a quarter of the students are capable of this. Being a code-monkey is trivial, being able to design the optimal solution for any given problem is a talent. University programs are increasingly shifting towards a bootcamp style curriculum rather than focusing on the science of CS.

Sohcahtoa82 5y ago

> Software engineering doesn't require talent any more than learning calculus requires talent. We aren't that special or gifted imo. Derailing a bit here, but I don't think this is true, and I think it's an example of a part of Dunning-Kruger that is often forgotten - Highly competent people underestimate their competence and incorrectly presume others find a task just as easy as they do. There are a lot of people that struggle with algebra. They could never learn calculus without putting in a ridiculous amount of time into studying it. What makes software engineering different is that it requires abstract thinking, something not everyone has. You have to be able to understand how to break a problem down into tiny steps and be able to express those steps in a language that a compiler or interpreter will understand. And even with training, we get people that can't FizzBuzz.

xmonkee 5y ago

I 100% agree that software engineers are not special. But they are specialized. And getting to that point of specialization takes a combination of inclination, opportunity and, yes, some aptitude that not everyone has. My wife is brilliant at her job. She used to be a passable software engineer and hated it. Now she does something equally lucrative and competitive and is much better at it than I could ever be.